Quality of life in peritoneal carcinomatosis: A prospective study in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Albertsmeier, Markus; Hauer, Alexandra; Niess, Hanno; Werner, Jens; Graeb, Christian; Angele, Martin K. (2014): Quality of life in peritoneal carcinomatosis: A prospective study in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). In: Digestive Surgery, Vol. 31, No. 4-5: pp. 334-340

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) can improve survival in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, but bear a significant risk of perioperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the quality of life (QoL) following cytoreduction and HIPEC. METHODS In this study including 40 patients (65% females) with different primary tumors, the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was applied prior to CS and HIPEC as well as 3, 9, and 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS Global health status was not impaired significantly following HIPEC. Scales and symptom scores that deteriorated 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05), that is, physical, role, and social functions as well as fatigue, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, and diarrhea, all returned to preoperative values within 9 months. CONCLUSIONS Following cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, QoL returns to preoperative levels within 9 months. Selected patients that are likely to benefit oncologically from HIPEC should not be denied this option for fear of reduced postoperative QoL.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 0253-4886
• Alliance/National Licence: This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.
• Language: English